Leaders thank people in West Midlands for following coronavirus rules
Leaders across the West Midlands have thanked people for following coronavirus rules – but stressed the fight isn't over.
Council chiefs in the region said everyone needed to continue to do their bit and take precautions during these "unprecedented" times.
It comes amid a spike in coronavirus cases in both Sandwell and Wolverhampton over the last week – with fears over a local lockdown.
In a joint statement, leaders from across the region said: "We want to thank the people of the West Midlands for their support during these unprecedented times.
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"We know it has been difficult, but the vast majority of people have followed the rules and helped each other; nobody can do this on their own, we must work together to get through this which is what we have been doing.
"Here in the West Midlands rates of infection are fairly stable in most areas but there have been significant outbreaks in parts of the region and teams are dealing with cases and smaller local outbreaks daily.
"If we lose focus and think it is all over, we could end up taking backward steps in terms of restrictions; not only would this be extremely difficult for individuals and communities, it would cause huge problems for local businesses just as things are returning to some kind of normality."
The politicians have urged people to wear face-coverings in shops, along with public transport, and to wear a covering as soon as residents leave their house.
The statement added: "Remember, although restrictions have lifted considerably since March, coronavirus has not gone away; it will be with us for some time yet so we all need to stay alert and follow government guidance.
"So, we’d encourage people to wear a face-covering as soon as you leave the house. It is not compulsory, but it is a way of getting used to wearing one and it really helps to protect people; even though you are outside, pavements can get busy and it can be hard to maintain proper distancing at times. The more people seeing others wearing one, the more likely everyone is to wear one as a ‘new normal’.
"So let's work together to protect each other and our communities, follow the guidelines and the new rules on face-coverings, and enjoy the summer safely."
